Dr. Rajamani Gounder is one of only 35 junior faculty members in the country awarded a Ralph E. Powe research grant from Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU).

Dr. Rajamani “Raj” Gounder, assistant professor of chemical engineering, is the recipient of a Ralph E. Powe research grant from the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Dr. Gounder’s research focuses on catalytic chemistries and materials. More specifically, his group works on converting hydrocarbons derived from petroleum and shale gas into transportation fuels and chemicals; selective reactions from renewable biomass in liquid media; and pollution abatement during catalytic processing and in combustion engines.

Dr. Gounder joined the School of Chemical Engineering in July 2013 as an assistant professor. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin in 2006 and a Ph.D. from the University of California-Berkeley in 2011. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the California Institute of Technology during 2011-13.

ORAU research grants recognize faculty members for their work in five science and technology disciplines including: engineering or applied science; life sciences; mathematics and computer science; physical sciences; and policy, management or education. The grant provides $5,000, which will be matched by Purdue, to purchase equipment, continue research or travel for professional purposes.